The SEC Network, a property of ESPN, will launch a new television series called TrueSouth on Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018 at 6 p.m. CST. Produced by senior ESPN writer Wright Thompson and Southern Foodways Alliance director John T. Edge, the series examines “SEC Country” through the lens of food. In an incredible windfall for Shreveport-Bossier, one of the episodes will spotlight Shreveport-Bossier eateries Herby-K’s and Lucky Palace Chinese Restaurant. The production filmed at both restaurants in July, interviewing the restaurant owners and staff, regular patrons, and others.

The team behind this production is one of the most talented groups in documentary-style television. Just watch the trailer and you’ll see what I mean:

While Shreveport-Bossier has occasionally cropped up on food television, this may be the best-looking national television production ever to spotlight local restaurant culture. John T. Edge, who narrates the trailer, is a James Beard Award-winning author of several books, plus a correspondent for The Oxford American, Garden & Gun, the New York Times, and more. Wright Thompson’s writing for ESPN frequently tackles broader societal issues by examining the world of sports; one of his columns inspired the 30 for 30 documentary film The Ghosts of Ole Miss.

How to Watch the Episode Locally
The Shreveport-Bossier episode of TrueSouth will air at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 9 on the SEC Network. If you don’t have access to the SEC Network at home, you can watch the show at Herby-K’s (Facebook link), Lucky Palace Chinese Restaurant (RSVP required by phone) or Twisted Root Burger Company (Facebook link).

The announcement of the show has some very influential folks in the worlds of food and Southern culture excited. Here are some responses from the timeline: